On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, ABC13 reported that Judge Kelli Johnson of the Harris County 178th District Court is currently on medical leave due to a head injury. This announcement follows the dismissal of a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge against her, which was officially dropped on September 10, 2024, due to insufficient evidence.

Judge Johnson reportedly sustained the head injury on February 14, 2024, after falling from a motorized scooter. Following several months of symptoms, she was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome in August. Her attorney, Chris Tritico, stated that Judge Johnson is actively working with her medical team and adhering to their recommendations. He expressed optimism about her return to the bench, indicating she hopes to be fully recovered by early next year.

During her absence, visiting judges will take over her responsibilities, ensuring that the 178th Criminal District Court continues to function without disruption. The court’s office praised Judge Johnson for prioritizing her health and emphasized the importance of self-care for effective public service. The Administrative Office of the Harris County District Courts expressed eagerness for her return once she has regained optimal health.

The DWI charge against Judge Johnson stemmed from an incident on June 25, 2024, when a Houston police officer observed her making an improper turn. The officer reported that she was driving 15 miles per hour below the speed limit and exhibited signs of impairment, including slow movements and dilated pupils. Although two prescription pill bottles were found in her vehicle, the police later confirmed that no alcohol or drugs were present in her system at the time of the arrest.

Prior to the DWI arrest, Judge Johnson had another encounter with law enforcement on April 12, 2024, for reckless driving and suspected drunk driving. Body camera footage from that incident showed her failing parts of a field sobriety test; however, officers ultimately released her with a warning for speeding, determining that she had passed enough of the test.

In the wake of her recent legal challenges and medical leave, Judge Johnson has been absent from court proceedings for much of May 2024. Initially, the communications director for the Administrative Office of the District Courts provided no comment on her absence but later confirmed that she was out for personal matters.

 

 

Source: ABC13